APA Task Force on Deceptive and Indirect Methods of Persuasion and Control

The APA Task Force on Deceptive and Indirect Methods (or Techniques) of Persuasion and Control (DIMPAC/DITPACT) was formed at the request of the American Psychological Association (APA) in 1983. The APA asked Margaret Singer, a leading theorist in cults and coercive persuasion, to chair a task force to “expose cult methods and tactics”. Some examples that led to the task force’s creation were the Manson family murders, Patty Hearst kidnapping, and the Jonestown massacre. Goals of the APA Task Force:

APA Task Force on Deceptive and Indirect Methods of Persuasion and Control

The APA Task Force on Deceptive and Indirect Methods (or Techniques) of Persuasion and Control (DIMPAC/DITPACT) was formed at the request of the American Psychological Association (APA) in 1983. The APA asked Margaret Singer, a leading theorist in cults and coercive persuasion, to chair a task force to “expose cult methods and tactics”. Some examples that led to the task force’s creation were the Manson family murders, Patty Hearst kidnapping, and the Jonestown massacre. Goals of the APA Task Force: